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Hepatitis Scotland e-Bulletin Christmas 2013

Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Hepatitis Scotland e-Bulletin! This bulletin features some useful links and info to help those affected by viral hepatitis to get through the festive season.

And so this is Christmas, and what have we done?

Over the festive period there are many pressures put on finances. Between the increasing commercial pressure that focuses on gifts as a representation of affection, attending parties, getting in food and drink and well above inflation increases in fuel bills, it can be easy to overspend.

The reality to those on low incomes or reliant on welfare is that household spending has been squeezed at a rate and amount not seen in the lifetime of many of those affected. With the impact of the "bedroom tax" becoming clearer, the little heralded decision not to uprate work allowances for universal credit to take into account inflation is icing on an ever-decreasing slice of welfare christmas cake that will disproportionately affect those on low incomes.

The decision to ignore inflation effectively decreases the amount someone can earn before their benefits are affected at a rate equivalent to tax at 65p in the pound!

Over the festive period there are many pressures put on finances. Between the increasing commercial pressure that focuses on gifts as a representation of affection, attending parties, getting in food and drink and well above inflation increases in fuel bills, it can be easy to overspend. The squeeze on everyday spending inflicted by the welfare "reforms" creates a situation where parents in particular may find themselves spending more money than they have to try to make their children's Christmas as special as possible. This can lead to debt worries in the New Year. Those who are affected by viral hepatitis, and particularly those on treatment, can find financial worries can greatly increase the impact of other stressors.

This checklist from Shelter Scotland provides some useful tips on preparing for winter; including staying warm while saving money on heating whether living in rented or bought accommodation.

The happy (s)elf

At Christmas time some people may feel isolated, lonely, stressed or depressed. Christmas can put stress on families and relationships for all kinds of reasons. There are other health related strains for those coping with a chronic illness like hepatitis C.

Last year Waverley Care provided us with some useful tips from their life coaching and self management programme which may help to make Christmas that bit easier. You can view a short video of Amy Solon from Waverley Care sharing some of the key tips which we hope will help towards a Merry Christmas!

Waverley Care Life Coaching Program dates

The next Waverley Care Life Coaching program in Glasgow starts on Wednesday the 22nd of January at 11 am until 2.30pm. The course runs weekly for 7 weeks.

The next Dundee course runs weekly for seven weeks starting 24th February, Central Baptist Church, Ward Road, Dundee11.00- 14.30 with an open day on 17th February any time between 11.00- 14.30 for anyone interested to come along for a cup of tea and to meet the trainers.

The program is designed for those living with Hepatitis C. It is run within a safe and supportive group environment giving you the chance to meet other people facing similar challenges. You can also learn new skills to help you make better informed decisions about managing your condition.

For more information in Glasgow contact Moira Washington on 0141 332 2520 or at moira.washington@waverleycare.org